Unit: Psalms (Part 1)
Theme: Rooted
Lesson Text: Psalm 119:9-16, 89-96, 129-136
Supplemental Text: Psalm 119; John 17:17; Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Aim: Meditate on God’s Word and ways in order to grow your life around him.
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Download a PDF of this week’s lesson material (the Study by Mark Scott, Application by David Faust, and Discovery Questions by Michael C. Mack): LOOKOUT_October23_2022.
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By Mark Scott
Faith takes us beyond reason, but an informed faith is a faith that reasons. Psalm 119 calls us to love God “with” our minds (i.e., using reason). This psalm is among the most incredible pieces of literature in the Bible. The complicated masterpiece is a tight acrostic; each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (22 of them in all) begins the sections (strophes) of the psalm. And, if that is not enough, each line in that particular section (of eight verses each) begins with that letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Psalm 119 celebrates the Word (not just Scripture but the “message”) of God. Many terms are employed to underline the vastness of God’s message to his people (e.g., words, commands, decrees, laws, statutes, and precepts). This lesson will expound on the 2nd, 12th, and 17th letters/sections.
The Word Within Us
Psalm 119:9-16
God’s Word was never intended to be left on stone tablets (Exodus 34:1). His Word was intended to be written on the heart (Deuteronomy 10:12-16; Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:3). The psalmist acknowledged a direct connection between how much of God’s Word penetrates us and what our moral fabric looks like to outsiders.
For instance, how can a person stay on the path of purity (clear or cleansed)? Answer: by living according to God’s word. And how can a person not sin against God? Answer: by hiding God’s Word in their heart. Insofar as God’s people seek God with all of their heart and do not stray from his commands, they will be able to live a life of praise.
Three things are involved in internalizing God’s Word. (1) Memorization—implanting the Word in the heart from memory keeps one from sinning. Jewish boys were not allowed to ask a question in Hebrew school if they had not memorized that day’s lesson, so how much more should we memorize the text? (2) Recitation—recounting the law with our lips reinforces memory. Just as handwriting aids memorization more than typing, so hearing the text being read aloud and recounting the words with our lips is better than great riches. (3) Meditation—studying, talking, and pondering are ways to delight in the Word. Let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).
The Word Above Us
Psalm 119:89-96
We can rejoice that God’s Word came near to us (Deuteronomy 30:14; John 1:14). But his Word also is transcendent above us. The opening line of this section says as much. God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. God’s Word is not just within his covenant people. It stands over the whole universe. God’s Word (and nature) continues through all generations, is established over all the earth, and endures day by day.
But this Word that is over us also is particular to us. The psalmist recognized that he had an enemy (a theme scattered throughout this psalm) who would attempt to afflict him and destroy him. But by making the Word his delight (as in something pleasant) he would preserve (save) his life. By seeking out God’s precepts and God’s statutes, the psalmist was giving himself the best chance to succeed in life. The psalmist was limited as to the perfection (completion) he could achieve in this life, but he acknowledged that the commands of God are boundless (greatly broad). This Word that is within us is also over us in transcendent power.
The Word About Us
Psalm 119:129-136
The Bible does a perfect job of tying the vertical with the horizontal. The Word within and the Word over must find practical expression by moving out to others. When the Word moves out from us, people witness obedience in our lives. Light (knowledge) and understanding are then possible for people who are simple (foolish or naïve).
Staying hungry for the things of God (described in the text as panting, longing, and loving) helps keep sin from reigning in our bodies. People can witness holy behavior in us when our footsteps are directed by his Word. When God redeems us, makes his face shine upon us, and teaches us, then his decrees are on center stage for all to see. When the law is not obeyed, then the horizontal dimension of the Word is compromised. The result is that tears flow from the psalmist’s eyes. We do not love our minds, but we love God with our minds. The Gospel prophet, Isaiah, said it well: “Come, now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18, English Standard Version, emphasis added).
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